Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform
righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no
recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet
before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win
the praise of others. Amen, I say to you they have received their reward. But
when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is
doing, so that your almsgiving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in
secret will repay you. When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to
stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see
them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray,
go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And
your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you fast, do not look
gloomy like the hypocrites, they neglect their appearance so that they may
appear to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But
when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear
to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees
what is hidden will repay you.” (Matthew
6:1-6, 16-18)

Introductory Prayer:
Lord, you know how much I need you and depend on you. You know my weakness and
my faults. I put all my confidence in your love and mercy in my daily actions.
I hope to learn to trust more in your power, your promise, and your grace.
Lord, I wish to start this day with a sincere desire to grow in love, preparing
myself worthily to receive the mysteries of your passion, death and
resurrection in The Sacraments.

Petition: Lord, help
me learn to change what needs to change in my life.

1. Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving: Today we are reminded of the need to make reparation for our
sins and be reconciled with God. Any attempt to build a spiritual life that
neglects the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is building on sand.
Prayer purifies our intentions and relates all we do to God. Fasting detaches
us from our comfort and from ourselves. Almsgiving reflects our brotherhood
with the poor of Jesus’ family and reminds us that our true wealth is not in
things, but in the love of God. We all need to do a reality check on our
spiritual lives to make sure we are committed to prayer, fasting and
almsgiving.

2. Lose the Show:
Jesus is severe in criticizing the hypocrites who parade their works before
others to get attention. Such parades are of no use in pleasing God or making
up for our sins; they only add to our sinfulness. He encourages us to pray in
private, to fast and give alms in secret, without calling the attention of
others to what we are doing. In this way we can be sure we are doing all for
love of God and not for love of self. Those who make an outward show of piety
or generosity “have already received their reward” in this world, and they
store up no treasure in heaven. Let us work silently and discreetly, with no
other intention but pleasing God alone.

3. Joyful Sacrifice:
Nothing brings us closer to Christ than walking alongside him and doing the
things he did for love of God the Father. God invites us to purify our hearts
and minds and to turn our intentions back to him. Christ’s public ministry was
lived each day in loving obedience to the Father’s will. Our program of Life should
reflect that same simple, yet demanding, obedience and love. What can I do for
God today? What sacrifice can I offer that will be pleasing to him? Once I
decide on it, I will carry it out with no one else knowing.

Conversation with Christ:
Jesus, give me the grace to practice this healthy Catholic practices with great
enthusiasm and love. Help me live it with joy, knowing that I am living it in
your presence to please you and you alone.

Resolution: I
will make a program of life with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.